Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Bowers could have big year one
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the tight end position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the tight ends with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the tight ends that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
TE SOS | ||
1. | Cincinnati Bengals | 186.39 |
2. | Miami Dolphins | 193.98 |
3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 196.38 |
4. | Washington Commanders | 197.75 |
5. | Houston Texans | 198.15 |
6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 199.18 |
7. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 199.68 |
8. | New York Giants | 201 |
9. | Dallas Cowboys | 201.18 |
10. | Los Angeles Rams | 201.38 |
11. | Buffalo Bills | 201.39 |
12. | Chicago Bears | 201.66 |
13. | Arizona Cardinals | 201.76 |
14. | New York Jets | 202.56 |
15. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 202.86 |
16. | Baltimore Ravens | 203.04 |
17. | Denver Broncos | 203.95 |
18. | Los Angeles Chargers | 204.02 |
19. | Atlanta Falcons | 204.25 |
20. | Cleveland Browns | 204.59 |
21. | New Orleans Saints | 205.62 |
22. | Seattle Seahawks | 205.73 |
23. | San Francisco 49ers | 206.80 |
24. | Indianapolis Colts | 206.89 |
25. | Detroit Lions | 207.92 |
26. | New England Patriots | 208.23 |
27. | Kansas City Chiefs | 210.92 |
28. | Tennessee Titans | 211.44 |
29. | Green Bay Packers | 212.07 |
30. | Minnesota Vikings | 212.23 |
31. | Carolina Panthers | 213.66 |
32. | Las Vegas Raiders | 213.81 |
A rookie led fantasy tight ends in scoring last year and the top rated rookie tight end this year gets the easiest fantasy schedule for tight end. Brock Browers and the Raiders have the most favorable schedule for tight ends. Sam LaPorta showed last year that a rookie can make an immediate fantasy impact, so don’t discount Browers to have big-time success in year one. He certainly looks the part of an elite tight end.
Another rookie with a good chance to start has the second easiest schedule for tight ends. Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will compete with Tommy Tremble to start, but should emerge and be the top pass-catching tight end. He is looking like a good late-round gamble for fantasy teams.
The Vikings, Packers and Titans round out the top-five most favorable schedules for tight ends. T.J. Hockenson would be looking like a great pick if he wasn’t returning from a major injury. He is no sure thing to play early in the year. But once he is healthy, he could help fantasy teams in a big way once again.
Green Bay is likely to have Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft split a lot of the work at tight end, hurting both their value. They could produce some big games along the way, though, making them decent No. 2 fantasy tight ends this season. Both produced well in an expanded role last year.
Lastly, Chin Okonkwo didn’t quite have the breakout season many hoped last year, but he wasn’t bad by any means. Maybe he gets a few more chances this year and has some bigger games along the way with this favorable schedule. He is another decent tight end to grab as your backup.
The teams that top the list for toughest fantasy tight end schedules are teams that haven’t really utilized the tight end much in recent seasons. The Bengals have the toughest schedule followed bye the Dolphins. Mike Gesicki is the starter for the Bengals, but probably isn’t worth the risk with this schedule and the Bengals recent track record with tight ends.
Miami uses their tight ends to block more than anything in their offense. They have the occasional big game, but Jonnu Smith is going to be a risky weekly fantasy play. He would have looked much better landing with a different team.
There are a couple big-time fantasy tight ends that have unfavorable schedules. Dallas Goedert has the third toughest schedule. Goedert can be a little hit or miss to begin with in this offense, so this schedule gives him a little more concern. You might want to pass on him come draft day and go with another elite tight end with a better schedule and more consistency.
Dalton Schultz is the other elite tight end with a top-five unfavorable schedule. Schultz had a big first season with the Texans, becoming a favorite target of C.J. Stroud. He should get the targets this year. But he has a challenging schedule and more to compete with for targets, so his consistency might be a little off this year compared to last.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy tight ends. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the tight ends with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big-money contests.
TE PLAYOFF SOS | ||
1. | Atlanta Falcons | 175 |
2. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 182.37 |
3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 184.73 |
4. | Arizona Cardinals | 187.67 |
5. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 187.77 |
6. | New England Patriots | 189.83 |
7. | Miami Dolphins | 190.37 |
8. | New Orleans Saints | 191.3 |
9. | Los Angeles Rams | 192.17 |
10. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 192.43 |
11. | Cincinnati Bengals | 196.1 |
12. | Detroit Lions | 196.12 |
13. | Houston Texans | 196.2 |
14. | Indianapolis Colts | 198.97 |
15. | Buffalo Bills | 199.63 |
16. | Kansas City Chiefs | 203.03 |
17. | New York Jets | 204.13 |
18. | Carolina Panthers | 205.7 |
19. | Baltimore Ravens | 205.9 |
20. | Green Bay Packers | 207.7 |
21. | Chicago Bears | 213.73 |
22. | New York Giants | 214.27 |
23. | Seattle Seahawks | 214.72 |
24. | Cleveland Browns | 214.97 |
25. | Dallas Cowboys | 215.8 |
26. | Las Vegas Raiders | 219.4 |
27. | Washington Commanders | 220.13 |
28. | Denver Broncos | 220.8 |
29. | Minnesota Vikings | 221.72 |
30. | Tennessee Titans | 223.73 |
31. | San Francisco 49ers | 225.53 |
32. | Los Angeles Chargers | 228.53 |
The Titans and Vikings are the only two teams with the most favorable fantasy schedule for tight ends during the regular season and playoffs. Hockenson is the intriguing one because he might not be fully healthy until late in the season. So while he might not be a huge fantasy factor for the regular season, Hockenson might be a difference maker in the playoffs.
Okonkwo is looking like a player worth grabbing as a No. 2 fantasy tight end, especially if you have an established starter ahead of him. Okonkwo has a high fantasy ceiling for the coming year because of a schedule that could facilitate a breakout season for him.
The Chargers actually have the best fantasy playoff schedule for tight ends. Donald Parham is the likely starter and has some potential in an offense looking for playmakers in the passing game. This could be his best season to date, making him an intriguing late-round gamble.
George Kittle is the biggest name on the list for top-five favorable fantasy tight end playoff schedules. He is going to produce big and could be even better down the stretch with a schedule setup for success.
The Falcons have the most challenging playoff schedule for fantasy tight ends. This is not good news for Kyle Pitts. He is already a polarizing fantasy player, so this schedule won’t do him any favors to get in good graces with more fantasy owners. Many think he could finally turn things around this year with a new coaching staff in place, but nothing is certain with this situation. Pitts could be a boom or bust pick once again.
The Eagles are the only team on both the top five most difficult fantasy schedules for tight ends for the regular season and playoffs. Goedert is looking like a player you might want to let someone else grab come draft day. There are a lot of good, young options at tight end this year. Going with one of those guys over Goedert might be the play on draft day.
Trey McBride is a favorite for many fantasy owners this year for a breakout season. He had a huge finish to last year and is shooting up draft boards. We wouldn’t avoid him come draft day because he has the fourth toughest fantasy playoff schedule. It is a little bit of a concern, but not a huge red flag for the talented tight end. Maybe just prepare for his numbers to dip a tad during the playoffs.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
The Invitational Live Stream
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had just one catch that went for a 23-yard pickup on his only target from rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix in Sunday night's 27-2 beatdown of the visiting Green Bay Packers in the second preseason game. It was a step back after Sutton caught two passes (three targets) from Nix and Jarrett Stidham for 35 yards in the preseason opener last week against the Colts. It means little in the grand scheme of things, though, as the 28-year-old former second-rounder is Denver's unquestioned WR1 and is coming off a 772-yard season with a career-best 10 touchdowns. Target volume shouldn't be an issue in 2024, but fantasy managers need to expect some potential serious TD regression. He currently has a Yahoo ADP of 119.7 in standard-scoring formats, meaning fantasy managers aren't simply falling for his boom in scoring last year and are taking him as more of a WR4/flex.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy made his 2024 preseason debut in a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night in Santa Clara. Purdy started the game and spent the first three San Francisco offensive possessions under center before giving way to backup Joshua Dobbs. In that time Purdy produced a meager two completions on six attempts for 11 yards while taking one sack. From the beginning, New Orleans did a great job of putting pressure on Purdy, putting him in the grass multiple times. Whether observers blame San Francisco's lack of protection, Purdy himself, or credit the Saints' pass rush, it's wise not to overreact -- or react at all -- to preseason performances by entrenched starters. Purdy will look to shake off more rust when the 49ers take on Las Vegas on Friday night for their preseason finale.
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick, who hasn't played in a regular-season game in the NFL since 2021 after suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries in training camp the last two years, led the team in catches (four), targets (four) and receiving yards (30) while catching one of the two receiving scores in Sunday night's 27-2 win over the visiting Green Bay Packers. All four of his targets came from rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix, including his touchdown reception, a four-yard bullet from Nix. It's great to see the 30-year-old back healthy, but as of right now, Patrick isn't being drafted in standard-sized fantasy leagues. If he can stay healthy, though, he has proven in the past he can be a reliable pass-catcher and chain-mover behind Courtland Sutton. If Nix wins the starting QB job and helps improve Denver's offense from what it was a season ago, Patrick could be an early waiver-wire pickup.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin each had three carries apiece for exactly 17 yards each in Sunday night's 27-2 victory over the visiting Green Bay Packers. Williams caught his only target for an impressive 15-yard gain, while McLaughlin caught his only target for only a four-yard pickup. Blake Watson led the backfield with six carries for 20 yards, while quarterback Jarrett Stidham had the team's only rushing touchdown, a nine-yard scamper into the end zone. Rookie Audric Estime had four carries for 14 yards and caught one of his two targets for seven yards. The 24-year-old Williams' fantasy stock is down heading into 2024 despite going over 1,000 scrimmage yards for a bad Broncos offense in 2203. He's another year removed from a devastating knee injury and is primed to be the Broncos' lead back in what could be an improved offense under rookie QB Bo Nix. If Williams can regain his explosiveness and tackle-breaking ways, he could be a great RB2/3 value pick at his current 107.1 Yahoo ADP in standard-scoring leagues.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix only helped his chances of winning the QB competition in the team's 27-2 preseason win over the visiting Green Bay Packers on Sunday evening, completing eight of his nine pass attempts for 80 yards and a touchdown. Nix also carried the ball three times for 12 yards. The 12th overall pick out of Oregon got the start in this one after Jarrett Stidham started the preseason opener. Through two preseason contests, the 24-year-old has been much more impressive than Stidham with his poise running the offense while displaying a rocket arm. Nix went 15-for-21 last week against the Colts for 125 yards and a touchdown. His lone TD pass on Sunday was a four-yarder to receiver Tim Patrick. An illegal forward pass took away a potential second touchdown pass. Denver still has one preseason game remaining, but as of now, Nix appears to be the favorite to open the regular season as the Broncos' starter under center.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham went 7-for-11 for 65 yards, no touchdowns and an interception that was batted into the air at the line of scrimmage, while adding a nine-yard touchdown run in Sunday night's 27-2 preseason win at home over the Green Bay Packers. After underwhelming in his start in the preseason opener last week against the Colts, Stidham was outplayed by rookie first-rounder Bo Nix yet again. Nix started this one and went 8-for-9 for 80 yards and a touchdown. Stidham began the offseason as the slight favorite to win the QB competition over Nix, solely based on his experience in head coach Sean Payton's offense from 2023. However, through training camp so far and two preseason contests, things have changed. Nix is now considered the favorite to win the starting gig under center heading into Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, barring something crazy happening these next few weeks.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Falcons running back Jase McClellan ran for 55 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in Atlanta's preseason loss to Baltimore. Dynasty Analysis: It was a solid performance for McClellan, who is attempting to make the team behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. While he likely won't have much of a role behind those two and has done little to push Allgeier for the backup job, McClellan's name remains one to keep on watch lists.
Dynasty | Bears receiver Dante Pettis had three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears preseason win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Pettis is attempting to lock down the fourth receiver job behind DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze and this likely helped. He's bounced around the league for a few years but has typically produced when called upon. He's another name to keep filed away should he win the job and see the Bears incur an injury or two at the receiver position.
Dynasty | Bears receiver Rome Odunze had one catch for 45 yards and one carry for 16 yards in the Bears preseason win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Odunze nearly had a highlight reel touchdown catch but his foot touched out of bounds. Odunze has clearly looked NFL ready all off-season and could push Keenan Allen to be the second receiver for the Bears this season. While dynasty managers may need to be a little patient with him, it certainly seems as if this top-3 rookie pick has a long and productive career ahead of him.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver John Metchie had six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in Houston's preseason win against the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: The preseason reports on Metchie have been all positive and this just solidifies those. Unfortunately, he's buried on a depth chart behind Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell at the moment. However, Diggs is on what amounts to a one-year deal and Metchie could be waiting in the wings for a bigger role in the future. He's a player to certainly keep your eye on in dynasty leagues and a possible back-of-the-roster stash at the moment.
Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had four catches for 54 yards in the Giants preseason loss to Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The Giants offense looks anemic but you can hardly blame Nabers, who looks like he can get open against just about anyone. Daniel Jones needs to improve quickly for Nabers to unlock his full potential but everything we've seen thus far merits him being a top two rookie draft pick. In short, Nabers looks the part of a future dynasty WR1.
Dynasty | Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance completed 15-of-23 passes for 151 and a touchdown, while adding 34 rushing yards and another score in the Cowboys preseason win against the Raiders. Dynasty Analysis: Lance has been working to unseat Cooper Rush for the backup job behind Dak Prescott and this won't hurt. It's really the first positive sign we've seen from Lance in some time and it could even make a quarterback-needy team knock on Dallas' door to see if a trade is possible next week. Lance remains a possibility for a back-end roster spot in deep dynasty leagues, despite his early career struggles.
Pittsburgh Steelers starting center Nate Herbig (shoulder) is expected to miss "a significant amount of time." He was injured in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Bills. Unfortunately, further testing revealed a torn rotator cuff for the 26-year-old. Of course, this is another tough blow for the Steelers offense, with Russell Wilson (calf) battling an injury throughout camp and Jaylen Warren (hamstring) anticipated to miss a few weeks. It also isn't good news for guys like Justin Fields, Najee Harris, and George Pickens. At any rate, rookie center Zach Frazier, selected with the No. 51 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will presumably enter the starting lineup.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (neck) was diagnosed with a sprain. The veteran wideout was injured in Saturday's preseason clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative. However, it appears his availability for Week 1 versus the Arizona Cardinals is up in the air. MVS, who signed with Buffalo this offseason, caught a subpar 21 passes for 315 yards and one touchdown in 16 games with the Chiefs in 2023-24. But with Stefon Diggs now in Houston, the door is open for anyone on the depth chart to take over as the No. 1 option for Josh Allen.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus Jacksonville. Fortunately, it appears the rookie isn't injured. However, head coach Raheem Morris opted to hold him out of Saturday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. With that said, Kirk Cousins (Achilles) won't suit up, meaning Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock will presumably close out the preseason for Atlanta before the club preparers for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (hamstring) may miss "a few weeks," according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 25-year-old exited Saturday's preseason battle with the Buffalo Bills with a hamstring injury and was ruled out shortly after. Warren finished last season by running for 764 yards and four touchdowns off 149 carries, adding 61 catches for 370 yards. Of course, this isn't the kind of update fantasy managers had hoped for heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Fortunately, Warren has time to recover before the Steelers begin the season versus the Atlanta Falcons. If he doesn't suit up for that one, Najee Harris would presumably see more touches, with Cordarrelle Patterson expected to provide relief.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers DT Nick Williams (knee) exited the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Aug. 18, with a knee injury and is questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Randy Gregory has been released for failing to report to training camp, head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Sunday, Aug. 18.
From TheHuddle
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Bears wide receiver Dante Pettis could have already locked up a spot on the depth chart. "It wasn't just the two touchdowns he caught against the Bengals, It's how he has been used in practice." said Biggs during his recent column. "Pettis offers a sure-handed option as a punt returner and might be the fifth receiver. He certainly helped himself Saturday." The 28-year-old last played in 2022, where he recorded 19 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games with Chicago. While Pettis likely won't see more attention than DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, or Rome Odunze, he's someone to watch in case one of those guys gets injured during the 2024-25 campaign. However, he'll need to keep climbing the depth chart heading into Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (undisclosed) didn't suit up for Saturday's preseason clash with the Cowboys. However, it appears Adams' injury isn't severe. "The other night when we had the practice here at the stadium, he had an awkward movement where he just got sore," head coach Antonio Pierce said in an interview with ESPN. "He missed practice on Thursday. And like I said, if a guy's not 100 percent healthy, I wasn't going to risk it. It's not worth it. He'll be back to practice come Tuesday." The 31-year-old eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the fourth consecutive season in 2023-24. Yet, he caught just eight touchdowns, his fewest since 2019. But if Adams can get some stability from quarterback Gardner Minshew II, who was announced as the Week 1 starter on Sunday, he could return to the Pro Bowl conversation. With that said, fantasy managers should still view him as a top wideout, assuming he's healthy.
From RotoBaller